Call for herbicide curb to promote ‘pissy bed’ pollinators

“PISSY beds and insects are a good thing,” members of Clare County Council heard at their May meeting. 

The comments came from Green Party councillor, Liam Grant, who asked that the local authority stop using chemical herbicides in amenity areas.

The Lahinch man suggested that more environmentally-friendly alternatives be found and that substances like glyphosate be limited to the control of invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed. Councillor Grant’s motion also outlined that, “A shift is needed by the public in how we manage weeds and how best to promote biodiversity”. 

Addressing the meeting, Councillor Grant said he would love to see the authority follow the lead of the likes of Cork City Council.

“We have done a lot of great work, but we could do more,” he said. “I know it might be easier for a city council than one like Clare which is largely rural, and I acknowledge that for Japanese Knotweed, you have to use herbicides. We have watched so much American television that we think the perfect lawn is the ideal, but we need more dandelions.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Cillian Murphy, who said that while an outright ban wasn’t really feasible, things were moving in the right direction. “Contractors also need to be educated,” he said. “I recently had a conversation with someone who was not impressed with a field of dandelions, but they’re so important.”

Cathaoirleach PJ Ryan remarked that when he was young “dandelions were pissy beds”. 

Councillor Johnny Flynn welcomed a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which had found no trace of pesticides in the water in Clare. “It’s a very serious issue,” he said. “Congratulations to Senior Engineer John Leahy. Great work is being done.”

Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy said she had received calls over a lack of cutting of grass in public areas. “That’s a national policy to allow biodiversity to thrive for a little while longer,” she noted.

Councillor Ian Lynch said the general public needed to be educated about why certain areas were being left to grow during the summer. ,”I saw a lovely sign from Limerick City and County Council explaining the importance of leaving some areas uncut,” he said.

“Education of the people is key. We did a lot of great work and people were giving out. When they found out what it was for, they thought we were great.”

Councillor Michael Begley said he was “not totally in favour” of Councillor Grant’s motion. “The motion is a little ambiguous,” he said.

“I fully support the sentiment, but would like to know what the alternatives are that can be used. Invasive species also need greater emphasis. We are plagued in South East Clare with Giant Hog Weed. It’s unsightly and a danger. We need more emphasis on a proper funding scheme on an ongoing basis. I’m also not sure why the responsibility is loaded onto the Roads Section to try to find funding. This should be funded by Department of the Environment.”

Councillor Grant acknowledged his colleague’s frustrations. “I have spoke to the Senior Engineer about alternatives like steaming and pairs of gloves and elbow grease,” he said.

“There is already some signage in place about grass cutting. We need pissy beds and insects, they’re a good thing.”

An outright ban on weed killer was described by Councillor Joe Killeen as “not a great idea”. 

“We do need some to keep some public areas neat and tidy,” he said. “The sustainable use of pesticides is something I supports and I have no problem with the high grass.”

In a written response, Senior Engineer in Roads and Transportation, John Leahy outlined the Council’s policy on herbicide use. The reply outlined that the authority implements an annual plant protection programme to facilitate the maintenance of public open spaces, road verges and green areas surrounding municipal buildings. 

“At all times only EU approved licensed Plant Protection Products (PPPs) are used,” the response stated.

“Council Operatives are trained in the correct application procedures. Any use of products containing glyphosate is subject to the appropriate risk assessment and compliance with safety requirements in relation to their use and application.

“As a local authority, Clare County Council is focused on the reduction of the use of chemical herbicides across the Municipal Districts. Encouragement of biodiversity including the growth of wildflowers are better options.

“Roadside margins are now becoming better managed for pollinators and more Council owned amenities and recreational areas are being managed for biodiversity. In early May, The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued ‘Guidance for Local Authorities to Ensure Compliance with the Sustainable use of Pesticides Directive’. Clare County Council has already a programme of managing diversity which includes sustainable use of pesticides. 

“Training has been rolled out and staff are encouraged to engage with new ways of managing diversity. The recent guidance document from The Department […] has been circulated to all Municipal Districts. ‘Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines’ have been developed and rolled out in Clare and community groups have been supported in biodiversity initiatives.

“Methods and products have also changed to minimise the use of chemicals with a more targeted and safer approach with less contamination. The combination of measures outlined above will have the overall impact of reducing the dependency and usage of pesticides.”